Leaking overflow, past it pump!

DansMum_2

Sorry this seems to have been asked time and again!!

We have an old central heating system with a header tank in the loft, immersion heater and Baxi Solo boiler downstairs.

The heating has always 'bubbled' through the pipes. In December the pump stopped working. Now its been leaking from the middle (spinny thing sorry for technical term) for ages again and we now have to start the pump manually when we want the heating on but not the hot water.

The tank in the loft is leaking from the overflow and despite us trying to stop it it starts again after about 48 hours. We think its connected to the heating pump somehow. We are losing about 3 gallons a day from the overflow. I had a plumber arranged who was going to 'balance the system' change the pump, do a flush out a replace the radiators prior to having a new boiler fitted later in the year. He hasnt been back since!! I am waiting for a coupke of others to get back to me to get the job done, but I would really like to stop this leak in the meantime as its going to be pricey!!

This time the leaking started after I put on the washing machine. It makes no difference if heating or water is on/off. The water in the header tank is cold not warm...

Any advice would be gratefully received thank you.

ormus

if the feed and expansion tank is loosing so much cold water, then the ball valve needs attention.
get a new one, they are not expensive.


sounds like you need a new pump too. about 60/70 quid.

keystone

Whats the temperature of the water in the F&E tank when it's overflowing?

Cheers

DansMum_2

Thanks for replies so far

The temperature is cold when overflowing.

The ball valve does seem to shut off the mains to the tank...

How difficult are pumps to fit? OH will turn his hand to most things, but is a bit icky about plumbing!

ormus

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/central_heating/changing_central_heating_pump.htm

not a difficult job. access is often the main problem.